Falcons plan to lock up WR Julio Jones for the future

FLOWERY BRANCH – The Falcons expect to lock up wide receiver Julio Jones services at some point in the future, coach Mike Smith said on Tuesday.

The Pro Bowl wide receiver, who is recovering from foot surgery, is still working with the training staff. Smith was not specific when asked if the team would exercise the fifth-year in Jones’ rookie contract.

“Again, I’m not going to talk about specific contractual situations,” Smith said. “I do know this, Julio Jones is going to be an Atlanta Falcons for a long, long time.”

Smith said the Falcons expect to have Jones back for the beginning of the regular season.

“Julio is participating with our athletic performance department,” Smith said. “With (trainer) Marty Lauzon and his group. He will be able to get out on the field and do some walkthrough stuff with us when we start going.

“Our focus with Julio is one thing and that’s having him prepared for our opener, which I’m sure we’ll get the date in the next couple of days. I believe the schedule will be coming out in the next couple of days. But that’s what our focus is.

“He’s progressing well. We’re not going to do anything to hinder his time-frame in terms of getting back to work with us.”